Sign up to receive free email alerts when patent applications with chosen keywords are publishedSIGN UP

Abstract:

A lens unit has a lens frame configured to be mounted to an imaging
device having an imaging element, a first optical system having a first
optical axis supported by the lens frame, a second optical system having
a second optical axis supported by the lens frame; and an adjustment
mechanism configured to adjust a position of the first optical system
and/or the second optical system in an optical axis direction with
respect to the lens frame.

Claims:

1. A lens unit comprising: a lens frame configured to be mounted to an
imaging device having an imaging element; a first optical system having a
first optical axis supported by the lens frame; a second optical system
having a second optical axis supported by the lens frame; and an
adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the first optical
system and/or the second optical system in an optical axis direction with
respect to the lens frame.

2. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism
has a first lens holder and a first support component, the first optical
system being mounted to the first lens holder, and the first support
component being linked to the lens frame and supporting the first lens
holder movably in the first optical axis direction with respect to the
lens frame.

3. The lens unit according to claim 2, wherein the first support
component supports the first lens holder so that the first lens holder
rotates around the first optical axis with respect to the lens frame
while moving in the first optical axis direction.

4. The lens unit according to claim 3, wherein the first lens holder has
a first holder main body and a first follower, the first optical system
being mounted to the first holder main body, the first holder main body
being supported movably in the first optical axis direction and rotatably
around the first optical axis by the first support component, and the
first follower being linked to the first holder main body and being
guided by the first support component.

5. The lens unit according to claim 4, wherein the first support
component has a first front guide face and a first rear guide face, the
first front guide face being inclined with respect to the first optical
axis, and the first rear guide face facing the first front guide face in
the first direction and being inclined with respect to the first optical
axis, and the first follower has a first front protrusion and a first
rear protrusion, the first front protrusion being linked to the first
holder main body and coming into slidable contact with the first front
guide face, and the first rear protrusion being linked to the first
holder main body and coming into slidable contact with the first rear
guide face.

6. The lens unit according to claim 5, wherein the first support
component is sandwiched in the first direction by the first front
protrusion and the first rear protrusion.

7. The lens unit according to claim 4, wherein the first support
component has a first receiver and a first presser, the first receiver
coming into contact with the outer peripheral face of the first holder
main body, and the first presser pressing the first holder main body
against the first receiver.

8. The lens unit according to claim 4, wherein the first lens holder has
a first rotationally driven component, the first rotationally driven
component being linked to the first holder main body and configured to be
rotationally driven to adjust a position of the first holder main body in
the rotational direction around the first optical axis with respect to
the lens frame.

9. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism
is configured to separately adjust a position of the first optical system
in the first optical axis direction with respect to the lens frame, and a
position of the second optical system in the second optical axis
direction with respect to the lens frame.

10. The lens unit according to claim 9, wherein the adjustment mechanism
has a first lens holder, a first support component, a second lens holder
and a second support component, the first optical system being mounted to
the first lens holder, the first support component being linked to the
lens frame and supporting the first lens holder movably in the first
optical axis direction with respect to the lens frame, the second optical
system being mounted to the second lens holder, the second support
component being linked to the lens frame and supporting the second lens
holder movably in the second optical axis direction with respect to the
lens frame.

11. The lens unit according to claim 10, wherein the first support
component supports the first lens holder so that the first lens holder
rotates around the first optical axis with respect to the lens frame
while moving in the first optical axis direction, and the second support
component supports the second lens holder so that the second lens holder
rotates around the second optical axis with respect to the lens frame
while moving in the second optical axis direction.

12. The lens unit according to claim 11, wherein the first lens holder
has a first holder main body and a first follower, the first optical
system being mounted to the first holder main body, the first holder main
body being supported movably in the first optical axis direction and
rotatably around the first optical axis by the first support component,
and the first follower being linked to the first holder main body and
being guided by the first support component, and the second lens holder
has a second holder main body and a second follower, the second optical
system is mounted to the second holder main body, the second holder main
body being supported movably in the second optical axis direction and
rotatably around the second optical axis by the second support component,
and the second follower being linked to the second holder main body and
being guided by the second support component.

13. The lens unit according to claim 12, wherein the first support
component has a first front guide face and a first rear guide face, the
first front guide face being inclined with respect to the first optical
axis, the first rear guide face facing the first front guide face in the
first direction and being inclined with respect to the first optical
axis, the first follower has a first front protrusion and a first rear
protrusion, the first front protrusion being linked to the first holder
main body and coming into slidable contact with the first front guide
face, and the first rear protrusion being linked to the first holder main
body and coming into slidable contact with the first rear guide face, the
second support component has a second front guide face and a second rear
guide face, the second front guide face being inclined with respect to
the second optical axis, and the second rear guide face facing the second
front guide face in the second direction and being inclined with respect
to the second optical axis, and the second follower has a second front
protrusion and a second rear protrusion, the second front protrusion
being linked to the second holder main body and coming into slidable
contact with the second front guide face, and the second rear protrusion
being linked to the second holder main body and coming into slidable
contact with the second rear guide face.

14. The lens unit according to claim 13, wherein the first support
component is sandwiched in the first direction by the first front
protrusion and the first rear protrusion. the second support component is
sandwiched in the second direction by the second front protrusion and the
second rear protrusion.

15. The lens unit according to claim 12, wherein the first support
component has a first receiver and a first presser, the first receiver
coming into contact with the outer peripheral face of the first holder
main body, and the first presser pressing the first holder main body
against the first receiver. the second support component has a second
receiver and a second presser, the second receiver coming into contact
with the outer peripheral face of the second holder main body, and the
second presser pressing the second holder main body against the second
receiver.

16. The lens unit according to claim 13, wherein the first lens holder
has a first rotationally driven component, the first rotationally driven
component being linked to the first holder main body and configured to be
rotationally driven to adjust a position of the first holder main body in
the rotational direction around the first optical axis with respect to
the lens frame. the second lens holder has a second rotationally driven
component, the second rotationally driven component being linked to the
second holder main body and configured to be rotationally driven to
adjust a position of the second holder main body in the rotational
direction around the second optical axis with respect to the lens frame.

Description:

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] The technology disclosed herein relates to a lens unit having an
optical system.

[0003] 2. Background Art

[0004] Lens units having an optical system have been used in many
different kinds of device in the past. For instance, a lens unit is
installed in a digital camera or other such imaging device.

[0005] With this type of lens unit, the position of the lenses included in
the optical system in the optical axis direction is sometimes adjusted.
For example, with the lens unit discussed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent
Application 2006-154319, a screw mechanism is used to adjust the lens
position.

SUMMARY

[0006] Recent years have seen advances in the development of imaging
devices that capture stereo images. A stereo image is an image used for
three-dimensional display, and includes a left-eye image and a right-eye
image having parallax. This type of imaging device comprises a lens unit
having a pair of left and right optical systems. To display the proper
three-dimensional image, the left-eye image and right-eye image must be
formed at the proper position with respect to the imaging element.

[0007] However, if differences between individual products causes
positional deviation in the left-eye image and right-eye image, there
ends up being a difference in the back focus of the left-eye optical
system and the right-eye optical system. As a result, there is a
difference in the focus of the left-eye image and the right-eye image,
and it may be difficult to obtain a good stereo image.

[0008] It is an object of the technology disclosed herein to provide a
lens unit with which a decrease in the quality of a stereo image
attributable to individual differences between products can be
suppressed.

[0009] The lens unit disclosed herein comprises a lens frame, a first
optical system, a second optical system, and an adjustment mechanism. The
lens frame can be mounted to an imaging device having an imaging element.
The first optical system has a first optical axis supported by the lens
frame. The second optical system has a second optical axis supported by
the lens frame. The adjustment mechanism adjusts a position of the first
optical system and/or the second optical system in an optical axis
direction with respect to the lens frame.

[0010] With this lens unit, the adjustment mechanism is able to adjust the
position of the first optical system and/or the second optical system in
the optical axis direction with respect to the lens frame. Therefore,
even if the positions of the first optical system and second optical
system with respect to the lens frame should deviate from the design
positions due to individual differences between products, the relative
positions of the first optical system and second optical system can be
adjusted.

[0011] Thus, with this lens unit, a decrease in the quality of a stereo
image attributable to individual differences between products can be
suppressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this
original disclosure:

[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded oblique view of a digital camera;

[0014]FIG. 2 is an exploded oblique view of an interchangeable lens unit;

[0015] FIG. 3A is an oblique view of an adjustment mechanism, and FIG. 3B
is a plan view of the adjustment mechanism (viewed from the imaging
element side);

[0017]FIG. 5 is an oblique view of a left-side support component and a
right-side support component;

[0018] FIG. 6A is a plan view of a lens frame, and FIG. 6B is a VI-VI
cross section;

[0019]FIG. 7 is a detail plan view of the left- and right-side support
components (viewed from the subject side);

[0020]FIG. 8 is a detail plan view of the left- and right-side support
components (viewed from the imaging element side);

[0021]FIG. 9 is an exploded oblique view of a left-eye optical system and
a right-eye optical system;

[0022] FIG. 10A is an oblique view of a left-eye lens holder, and FIG. 10B
is an oblique view of a right-eye lens holder;

[0023] FIG. 11A is a cross section of the left-eye optical system and the
left-eye lens holder, and FIG. 11B is a development view of the left-side
support component;

[0024] FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating the rotation of the left-eye
lens holder, and FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating the operation of the
left-eye lens holder; and

[0025] FIG. 13A is a diagram illustrating adjustment work, FIG. 13B is a
diagram illustrating adjustment work, and FIG. 13C is an oblique view of
an optical axis adjustment jig.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the
drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this
disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are
provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the
invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0027] 1: Configuration of Camera System

[0028] The simplified configuration of a digital camera 1 will be
described through reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded
oblique view of a digital camera. FIG. 2 is an exploded oblique view of
an interchangeable lens unit.

[0029] The digital camera 1 is an imaging device capable of capturing
three-dimensional images, and is an interchangeable lens type of digital
camera. As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 1 comprises an
interchangeable lens unit 3 (one example of a lens unit) and a camera
body 2 to which the interchangeable lens unit 3 can be mounted. The
interchangeable lens unit 3 is a lens unit that is compatible with
three-dimensional imaging, and forms optical images of a subject (a
left-eye optical image and a right-eye optical image). The camera body 2
is compatible with both two- and three-dimensional imaging, and products
image data on the basis of the optical images formed by the
interchangeable lens unit 3. An interchangeable lens unit that is not
compatible with three-dimensional imaging can also be attached to the
camera body 2 instead of the interchangeable lens unit 3 that is
compatible with three-dimensional imaging. That is, the camera body 2 is
compatible with both two- and three-dimensional imaging.

[0030] For the purposes of this description, the subject side of the
digital camera 1 will be called the front, the opposite side from the
subject will be called the rear or back, the vertically upper side in the
normal orientation of the digital camera 1 (hereinafter also referred to
as landscape orientation) will be called the top, and the vertically
lower side will be called the bottom.

[0031] A three-dimensionally perpendicular coordinate system is set up for
the digital camera 1. The X axis is set to be parallel to the left and
right direction when the digital camera 1 is used. The Y axis is set to
be substantially parallel to the optical axes of the digital camera 1
(the left-eye optical axis AL and the right-eye optical axis AR). The Z
axis is set to be parallel to the up and down direction (vertical
direction) when the digital camera 1 is used. In the following
description, the X axis direction shall be a direction parallel to the X
axis. The Y axis direction shall be a direction parallel to the Y axis,
and is one example of a first direction parallel to the optical axis of
the first optical system, and one example of a second direction parallel
to the optical axis of the second optical system. The Z axis direction
shall be a direction parallel to the Z axis. The left side when facing
the subject shall be the X axis direction positive side. The subject side
in the Y axis direction shall be the Y axis direction positive side. And
the upper side in the Z axis direction shall be the Z axis direction
positive side.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the camera body 2 has an imaging element 22 and
a body mount 21. The imaging element 22 converts the optical images
formed by the interchangeable lens unit 3 (left- and right-eye optical
images) into electrical signals. Examples of the imaging element 22
include a CCD (charge coupled device) image sensor and a CMOS
(complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensor. The
interchangeable lens unit 3 is mounted to the body mount 21.

[0033] The interchangeable lens unit 3 is a lens unit that is compatible
with three-dimensional imaging. A juxtaposed imaging system, in which two
optical images are formed on a single imaging element 22 by a pair of
left and right optical systems, is employed for the interchangeable lens
unit 3 in this embodiment.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the interchangeable lens unit 3 has a front
cover 31, a dust blocking tape 32a, a protective glass 32b, a field stop
33, a light blocking sheet 34, a left-eye optical system OL, a right-eye
optical system OR, an adjustment mechanism 49, a printed board 37, a lens
mount 38, and a light blocking frame 39. As will be discussed below, the
adjustment mechanism 49 has a left-eye lens holder 35L, a right-eye lens
holder 35R, and a lens frame 36.

[0035] The left-eye optical system OL (one example of an optical system,
and one example of a first or second optical system) has the left-eye
optical axis AL (one example of an optical axis, and one example of a
first or second optical axis), and forms a left-eye optical image as seen
from a first viewpoint (one example of a first or second optical image).
The left-eye optical system OL is fixed to the left-eye lens holder 35L.
The configuration of the left-eye optical system OL will be discussed
below along with that of the left-eye lens holder 35L.

[0036] The right-eye optical system OR (one example of an optical system,
and one example of a first or second optical system) has the right-eye
optical axis AR (one example of an optical axis, and one example of a
first or second optical axis), and forms a right-eye optical image as
seen from a first viewpoint (one example of a first or second optical
image). The right-eye optical system OR is fixed to the right-eye lens
holder 35R. The configuration of the right-eye optical system OR will be
discussed below along with that of the right-eye lens holder 35R. In this
embodiment, the left-eye optical axis AL is disposed parallel to the
right-eye optical axis AR, but the left-eye optical axis AL may be
disposed substantially parallel to the right-eye optical axis AR.

[0037] The light blocking sheet 34 is a part used to block out unnecessary
light, and is affixed to the lens frame 36 by adhesive tape or the like.
The field stop 33 blocks part of the light flux incident on the middle
part of the imaging element 22. More specifically, the field stop 33
blocks part of the light flux incident on the interchangeable lens unit 3
so that the light flux converged by the left-eye optical system OL will
not overlap the light flux converged by the right-eye optical system OR,
or even if there is some overlap, so that the overlap width will be kept
to a minimum. This prevents the optical images formed by the left-eye
optical system OL and the right-eye optical system OR from becoming mixed
on the imaging element 22. The protective glass 32b is provided to
prevent dust or dirt from getting into the interchangeable lens unit 3
and to protect the left-eye optical system OL and the right-eye optical
system OR. The dust blocking tape 32a is provided to prevent dust or dirt
from getting into the interchangeable lens unit 3.

[0038] The front cover 31 is a housing piece, and is fixed to the lens
frame 36 via the dust blocking tape 32a, the protective glass 32b, and
the field stop 33. The printed board 37 and the lens mount 38 are fixed
to the rear face side of the lens frame 36. The light blocking frame 39
is a part used to block out unnecessary light, and is fixed to the lens
mount 38.

[0039] The adjustment mechanism 49 (one example of an adjustment
mechanism) is able to separately adjust the position of the left-eye
optical system OL in a first direction with respect to the lens frame 36,
and the position of the right-eye optical system OR in a second direction
with respect to the lens frame 36.

[0040] 2. Detailed Configuration of Adjustment Mechanism

[0041] The detailed configuration of the adjustment mechanism 49 will now
be described through reference to the drawings. FIG. 3A is an oblique
view of the adjustment mechanism 49, and FIG. 3B is a plan view of the
adjustment mechanism 49. FIG. 4 is an exploded oblique view of the
adjustment mechanism 49.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, the adjustment mechanism 49 has
the lens frame 36, the left-eye lens holder 35L, and the right-eye lens
holder 35R.

[0043] (1) Lens Frame 36

[0044] The lens frame 36 (one example of a lens frame) is a single member
formed integrally from a resin, for example. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B,
and 4, the lens frame 36 has a base frame 41, a left-side support
component 42L (one example of a guide component, and one example of a
first or second support component), and a right-side support component
42R (one example of a guide component, and one example of a first or
second support component).

[0045] The base frame 41 (one example of a base frame) is a portion that
is mounted to the body mount 21 via the lens mount 38, and constitutes
the main part of the lens frame 36.

[0046] The left-side support component 42L supports the left-eye lens
holder 35L. The left-side support component 42L moves in the Y axis
direction while rotating with respect to the base frame 41.

[0047] The right-side support component 42R supports the right-eye lens
holder 35R. The right-side support component 42R moves in the Y axis
direction while rotating with respect to the base frame 41.

[0048] The configuration of the left-side support component 42L and the
right-side support component 42R will now be described through reference
to FIGS. 5 to 8. FIG. 5 is an oblique view of the left-side support
component 42L and the right-side support component 42R. FIG. 6A is a plan
view of the lens frame 35, and FIG. 6B is a VI-VI cross section of FIG.
6A. FIG. 7 is a detail plan view of the left-side support component 42L
and the right-side support component 42R viewed from the subject side,
and FIG. 8 is a detail plan view of the left-side support component 42L
and the right-side support component 42R viewed from the imaging element
side. Refer as needed to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4 in the following
description.

[0049] (1-1) Left-Side Support Component 42L

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the left-side support component 42L has
front guide faces 82 and 83, and rear guide faces 87 and 88.

[0051] The front guide face 82 (one example of a first or second guide
face, and one example of a first or second front guide face) is a cam
face that guides a front protrusion 62 (discussed below; see FIG. 9) in
the peripheral direction and the Y axis direction, and is inclined by a
specific angle with respect to the Y axis direction. More specifically,
as shown in FIG. 7, the front guide face 82 is formed in an arc shape
centering on the left-eye optical axis AL, and as shown in FIG. 6B, it is
inclined by a specific angle with respect to the peripheral direction
around the left-eye optical axis AL. The front guide face 82 is disposed
on the Y axis direction positive side (the subject side) of the left-side
support component 42L.

[0052] The front guide face 83 (one example of a first or second guide
face, and one example of a first or second front guide face) is a cam
face that guides a front protrusion 63 (discussed below; see FIG. 9) in
the peripheral direction and the Y axis direction, and is inclined by a
specific angle with respect to the Y axis direction. More specifically,
as shown in FIG. 7, the front guide face 83 is formed in an arc shape
centering on the left-eye optical axis AL, and is inclined by a specific
angle with respect to the peripheral direction around the left-eye
optical axis AL, just as the front guide face 82 is. As shown in FIG. 5,
the front guide face 83 is disposed on the Y axis direction positive side
(the subject side) of the left-side support component 42L, and is
disposed substantially on the opposite side from the front guide face 82
with respect to the left-eye optical axis AL. The inclination angle of
the front guide face 82 is set to be the same as the inclination angle of
the front guide face 83.

[0053] The rear guide face 87 (one example of a first or second guide
face, and one example of a first or second rear guide face) is a cam face
that guides a rear protrusion 67 (discussed below; see FIG. 9) in the
peripheral direction and the Y axis direction, and is inclined by a
specific angle with respect to the Y axis direction. More specifically,
as shown in FIG. 8, the rear guide face 87 is formed in an arc shape
centering on the left-eye optical axis AL, and as shown in FIG. 6B, it is
inclined by a specific angle with respect to the peripheral direction
around the left-eye optical axis AL. The rear guide face 87 is disposed
on the Y axis direction negative side (the imaging element 22 side) of
the left-side support component 42L, and is disposed substantially on the
opposite side from the front guide face 82 in the Y axis direction.

[0054] The rear guide face 88 (one example of a first or second guide
face, and one example of a first or second rear guide face) is a cam face
that guides a rear protrusion 68 (discussed below; see FIG. 9) in the
peripheral direction and the Y axis direction, and is inclined by a
specific angle with respect to the Y axis direction. More specifically,
as shown in FIG. 8, the rear guide face 88 is formed in an arc shape
centering on the left-eye optical axis AL, and is inclined by a specific
angle with respect to the peripheral direction around the left-eye
optical axis AL, just as is the rear guide face 87. The rear guide face
88 is disposed on the Y axis direction negative side (the imaging element
22 side) of the left-side support component 42L, and is disposed
substantially on the opposite side from the rear guide face 87 with
respect to the left-eye optical axis AL. Furthermore, the rear guide face
88 is disposed substantially on the opposite side from the front guide
face 83 in the Y axis direction. The inclination angle of the rear guide
face 87 is set to be the same as the inclination angle of the rear guide
face 88.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6A, the left-side support component 42L has a
support hole 81, three support protrusions 89, and a presser 86.

[0056] A holder main body 61 (see FIG. 9) of the left-eye lens holder 35L
is inserted into the support hole 81. In this embodiment, broadly
speaking, there are two different inside diameters of the support hole
81. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6B, the support hole 81 has a
first inner peripheral face 81a, a second inner peripheral face 81b, and
a tapered inner peripheral face 81c. The first inner peripheral face 81 a
is the inner peripheral face of the support hole 81 on the subject side,
and has a first inside diameter D13. The second inner peripheral face 81b
is the inner peripheral face of the support hole 81 on the imaging
element 22 side, and has a second inside diameter D14. The first inside
diameter D13 is set to be greater than the second inside diameter D14.
The tapered inner peripheral face 81c is disposed between the first inner
peripheral face 81a and the second inner peripheral face 81b, and links
the first inner peripheral face 81a to the second inner peripheral face
81b.

[0057] The support protrusions 89 (one example of a receiver, and one
example of a first or second receiver) protrude inward in the radial
direction from the inner peripheral face of the support hole 81, and are
formed in a slender shape in the Y axis direction. The three support
protrusions 89 are disposed spaced apart in the peripheral direction. The
support protrusions 89 (more precisely, the tops of the support
protrusions 89) come into slidable contact with the holder main body 61
of the left-eye lens holder 35L.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 6B and 7, each of the support protrusions 89 has
a first protrusion 89a and a second protrusion 89b. The first protrusions
89a are formed mainly on the first inner peripheral face 81a. The second
protrusions 89b are formed mainly on the second inner peripheral face
81b. The linked portions of the first protrusions 89a and the second
protrusions 89b are disposed on the tapered inner peripheral face 81c.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, in a plan view of the left-side support
component 42L, the first inside diameter D15 of a circle that links the
tops of the three first protrusions 89a is greater than the second inside
diameter D16 that links the tops of the three second protrusions 89b.
Also, in a state in which the left-eye lens holder 35L has not been
mounted to the lens frame 36, the first inside diameter D15 is less than
the first outside diameter D11 (discussed below; see FIG. 11A), and the
second inside diameter D16 is less than the second outside diameter D12
(discussed below; see FIG. 11A).

[0060] The presser 86 (one example of a presser, and one example of a
second presser) forms part of the inner peripheral face of the support
hole 81, and presses the holder main body 61 against the two support
protrusions 89 disposed on the right-side support component 42R side. The
other support protrusion 89 is disposed on the presser 86. A cavity 86a
is formed on the outside of the support hole 81. The presser 86 is formed
by the cavity 86a, and is capable of elastic deformation in the radial
direction of the left-eye optical axis AL. In this embodiment, the
presser 86 and the cavity 86a are disposed between the front guide face
82 and the front guide face 83 in the peripheral direction when viewed in
the Y axis direction.

[0061] The diameters D15 and D16 of circles linking the tops of the
support protrusions 89 are set to be less than the diameters D11 and D12
of the outer peripheral face of the holder main body 61. More
specifically, as discussed above, since the first inside diameter D15 is
less than the first outside diameter D11 (discussed below), and the
second inside diameter D16 is less than the second outside diameter D12
(discussed below), in a state in which the holder main body 61 has been
inserted into the support hole 81, the presser 86 bends outward in the
radial direction. Therefore, the holder main body 61 is pressed against
the two support protrusions 89 by the presser 86, and the holder main
body 61 is press-fitted into the left-side support component 42L. That
is, there is no gap between the support protrusions 89 and the outer
peripheral face of the holder main body 61, and therefore the lens frame
36 can support the left-eye lens holder 35L in a state in which there is
no looseness in the radial direction of the left-eye optical axis AL.

[0062] The left-side support component 42L has an insertion groove 84 and
an insertion groove 85. The insertion groove 84 and the insertion groove
85 are used when the left-eye lens holder 35L is inserted into the
left-side support component 42L, and pass through in the Y axis
direction. When the left-eye lens holder 35L is mounted to the lens frame
36, the rear protrusion 67 (discussed below) is inserted into the
insertion groove 84, and the rear protrusion 68 (discussed below) is
inserted into the insertion groove 85.

[0063] (1-2) Right-Side Support Component 42R

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the right-side support component 42R has
front guide faces 72 and 73 and rear guide faces 77 and 78.

[0065] The front guide face 72 (one example of a first or second guide
face, and one example of a first or second front guide face) is a cam
face that guides a front protrusion 52 (discussed below; see FIG. 9) in
the peripheral direction and the Y axis direction, and is inclined by a
specific angle with respect to the Y axis direction. More specifically,
as shown in FIG. 7, the front guide face 72 is formed in an arc shape
centering on the right-eye optical axis AR, and as shown in FIG. 6B, it
is inclined by a specific angle with respect to the peripheral direction
around the right-eye optical axis AR. The front guide face 72 is disposed
on the Y axis direction positive side (the subject side) of the
right-side support component 42R.

[0066] The front guide face 73 (one example of a first or second guide
face, and one example of a first or second front guide face) is a cam
face that guides a front protrusion 53 (discussed below; see FIG. 9) in
the peripheral direction and the Y axis direction, and is inclined by a
specific angle with respect to the Y axis direction. More specifically,
as shown in FIG. 7, the front guide face 73 is formed in an arc shape
centering on the right-eye optical axis AR, and is inclined by a specific
angle with respect to the peripheral direction around the right-eye
optical axis AR, just as the front guide face 72 is. As shown in FIG. 5,
the front guide face 73 is disposed on the Y axis direction positive side
(the subject side) of the right-side support component 42R, and is
disposed substantially on the opposite side from the front guide face 72
with respect to the right-eye optical axis AR. The inclination angle of
the front guide face 72 is set to be the same as the inclination angle of
the front guide face 73.

[0067] The rear guide face 77 (one example of a first or second guide
face, and one example of a first or second rear guide face) is a cam face
that guides a rear protrusion 57 (discussed below; see FIG. 9) in the
peripheral direction and the Y axis direction, and is inclined by a
specific angle with respect to the Y axis direction. More specifically,
as shown in FIG. 8, the rear guide face 77 is formed in an arc shape
centering on the right-eye optical axis AR, and as shown in FIG. 6B, it
is inclined by a specific angle with respect to the peripheral direction
around the right-eye optical axis AR. The rear guide face 77 is disposed
on the Y axis direction negative side (the imaging element 22 side) of
the right-side support component 42R, and is disposed substantially on
the opposite side from the front guide face 72 in the Y axis direction.

[0068] The rear guide face 78 (one example of a first or second guide
face, and one example of a first or second rear guide face) is a cam face
that guides a rear protrusion 58 (discussed below) in the peripheral
direction and the Y axis direction, and is inclined by a specific angle
with respect to the Y axis direction. More specifically, as shown in FIG.
8, the rear guide face 78 is formed in an arc shape centering on the
right-eye optical axis AR, and is inclined by a specific angle with
respect to the peripheral direction around the right-eye optical axis AR,
just as is the rear guide face 77. The rear guide face 78 is disposed on
the Y axis direction negative side (the imaging element 22 side) of the
right-side support component 42R, and is disposed substantially on the
opposite side from the rear guide face 77 with respect to the right-eye
optical axis AR. Furthermore, the rear guide face 78 is disposed
substantially on the opposite side from the front guide face 73 in the Y
axis direction. The inclination angle of the rear guide face 77 is set to
be the same as the inclination angle of the rear guide face 78.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6A, the right-side support component 42R has a
support hole 71, three support protrusions 79, and a presser 76.

[0070] A holder main body 51 (see FIG. 9) of the right-eye lens holder 35R
is inserted into the support hole 71. In this embodiment, broadly
speaking, there are two different inside diameters of the support hole
71. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6B, the support hole 71 has a
first inner peripheral face 71a, a second inner peripheral face 71b, and
a tapered inner peripheral face 71c. The first inner peripheral face 71a
is the inner peripheral face of the support hole 71 on the subject side,
and has a first inside diameter D23. The second inner peripheral face 71b
is the inner peripheral face of the support hole 71 on the imaging
element 22 side, and has a second inside diameter D24. The first inside
diameter D23 is set to be greater than the second inside diameter D24.
The tapered inner peripheral face 71c is disposed between the first inner
peripheral face 71 a and the second inner peripheral face 71b, and links
the first inner peripheral face 71a to the second inner peripheral face
71b.

[0071] The support protrusions 79 (one example of a receiver, and one
example of a first or second receiver) protrude inward in the radial
direction from the inner peripheral face of the support hole 71, and are
formed in a slender shape in the Y axis direction. The three support
protrusions 79 are disposed spaced apart in the peripheral direction. The
support protrusions 79 (more precisely, the tops of the support
protrusions 79) come into slidable contact with the holder main body 51
of the right-eye lens holder 35R.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 6B and 7, each of the support protrusions 79 has
a first protrusion 79a and a second protrusion 79b. The first protrusions
79a are formed mainly on the first inner peripheral face 71a. The second
protrusions 79b are formed mainly on the second inner peripheral face
71b. The linked portions of the first protrusions 79a and the second
protrusions 79b are disposed on the tapered inner peripheral face 71c.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7, in a plan view of the right-side support
component 42R, the first inside diameter D25 of a circle that links the
tops of the three first protrusions 79a is greater than the second inside
diameter D26 that links the tops of the three second protrusions 79b.
Also, in a state in which the right-eye lens holder 35R has not been
mounted to the lens frame 36, the first inside diameter D25 is less than
the first outside diameter D21 (discussed below; see FIG. 11A), and the
second inside diameter D26 is less than the second outside diameter D22
(discussed below; see FIG. 11A).

[0074] The presser 76 (one example of a presser, and one example of a
second presser) forms part of the inner peripheral face of the support
hole 71, and presses the holder main body 51 against the two support
protrusions 79 disposed on the left-side support component 42L side. The
other support protrusion 79 is disposed on the presser 76. A cavity 76a
is formed on the outside of the support hole 71. The presser 76 is formed
by the cavity 76a, and is capable of elastic deformation in the radial
direction of the right-eye optical axis AR. In this embodiment, the
presser 76 and the cavity 76a are disposed between the front guide face
72 and the front guide face 73 in the peripheral direction when viewed in
the Y axis direction.

[0075] The diameters D25 and D26 of circles linking the tops of the
support protrusions 79 are set to be less than the diameters D21 and D22
of the outer peripheral face of the holder main body 51. More
specifically, as discussed above, since the first inside diameter D25 is
less than the first outside diameter D21 (discussed below), and the
second inside diameter D26 is less than the second outside diameter D22
(discussed below), in a state in which the holder main body 51 has been
inserted into the support hole 71, the presser 76 bends outward in the
radial direction. Therefore, the holder main body 51 is pressed against
the two support protrusions 79 by the presser 76, and the holder main
body 51 is press-fitted into the right-side support component 42R. That
is, there is no gap between the support protrusions 79 and the outer
peripheral face of the holder main body 51, and therefore the lens frame
36 can support the right-eye lens holder 35R in a state in which there is
no looseness in the radial direction of the right-eye optical axis AR.

[0076] Also, the right-side support component 42R has an insertion groove
74 and an insertion groove 75. The insertion groove 74 and the insertion
groove 75 are used when the right-eye lens holder 35R is inserted into
the right-side support component 42R, and pass through in the Y axis
direction. When the right-eye lens holder 35R is mounted to the lens
frame 36, the rear protrusion 57 (discussed below) is inserted into the
insertion groove 74, and the rear protrusion 58 (discussed below) is
inserted into the insertion groove 75.

[0077] (2) Left-Eye Lens Holder 35L

[0078] The detailed configuration of the left-eye lens holder 35L will now
be described through reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is an exploded
oblique view of the left-eye lens holder 35L and the right-eye lens
holder 35R. FIG. 10A is an oblique view of the left-eye lens holder 35L
when viewed from the subject side, and FIG. 10B is an oblique view of the
left-eye lens holder 35L when viewed from the imaging element side. FIG.
11A is a cross section of the left-eye optical system OL and the left-eye
lens holder 35L, and FIG. 11B is a development view of the left-side
support component 42L.

[0079] The left-eye lens holder 35L is a single member molded integrally
from a resin, for example. As shown in FIG. 9, the left-eye lens holder
35L has the holder main body 61, the front protrusions 62 and 63, the
rear protrusions 67 and 68, and a gear component 64.

[0080] The holder main body 61 (one example of a holder main body, and one
example of a first or second holder main body) is a cylindrical portion,
to which the left-eye optical system OL is mounted. As shown in FIG. 9,
the left-eye optical system OL has a first lens L21, a second lens L22, a
third lens L23, and a fourth lens L24.

[0081] The holder main body 61 is supported by the left-side support
component 42L movably in the Y axis direction and rotatably around the
left-eye optical axis AL.

[0082] In this embodiment, broadly speaking, there are two different
outside diameters of the holder main body 61. More specifically, as shown
in FIGS. 10 and 11A, the holder main body 61 has a first portion 61a, a
second portion 61b, and a tapered part 61c. The first portion 61a is a
cylindrical portion on the subject side of the holder main body 61, and
has the first outside diameter D11 as shown in FIG. 11A. The second
portion 61 b is a cylindrical portion on the imaging element 22 side of
the holder main body 61, and has the second outside diameter D12 as shown
in FIG. 11A. The first outside diameter D11 is set to be greater than the
second outside diameter D12. The tapered part 61c is disposed between the
first portion 61a and the second portion 61b, and links the first portion
61a and the second portion 61b.

[0083] The front protrusions 62 and 63 are linked to the holder main body
61, and are guided by the left-side support component 42L as shown in
FIG. 11A so as to move in the Y axis direction while rotating around the
left-eye optical axis AL.

[0084] More specifically, the front protrusion 62 (one example of a first
or second portion, and one example of a first or second follower, and one
example of a first or second front protrusion) protrudes outward in the
radial direction from the end of the holder main body 61 on the subject
side (more precisely, from the first portion 61a), and comes into contact
with the front guide face 82 of the left-side support component 42L as
shown in FIG. 11B. The front protrusion 62 has a plate-like protrusion
main body 62b and a semi-cylindrical slider 62a that comes into contact
with the front guide face 82.

[0085] The front protrusion 63 (one example of a first or second portion,
and one example of a first or second follower, and one example of a first
or second front protrusion) protrudes outward in the radial direction
from the end of the holder main body 61 on the subject side (more
precisely, from the first portion 61a), and comes into contact with the
front guide face 83 of the left-side support component 42L as shown in
FIG. 11B. More specifically, the front protrusion 63 has a plate-like
protrusion main body 63b and a semi-cylindrical slider 63a that comes
into contact with the front guide face 83.

[0086] The rear protrusion 67 (one example of a first or second portion,
and one example of a first or second follower, and one example of a first
or second front protrusion) protrudes outward in the radial direction
from the end of the holder main body 61 on the imaging element 22 side
(more precisely, from the second portion 61b), and comes into contact
with the rear guide face 87 of the left-side support component 42L as
shown in FIG. 11B. More specifically, the rear protrusion 67 has a
plate-like protrusion main body 67b and a semi-cylindrical slider 67a
that comes into contact with the rear guide face 87. Since the base of
the protrusion main body 67b is formed thin, the rear protrusion 67
readily bends in the Y axis direction.

[0087] The rear protrusion 68 (one example of a first or second portion,
and one example of a first or second follower, and one example of a first
or second front protrusion) protrudes outward in the radial direction
from the end of the holder main body 61 on the imaging element 22 side
(more precisely, from the second portion 6 lb), and comes into contact
with the rear guide face 88 of the left-side support component 42L as
shown in FIG. 11B. More specifically, the rear protrusion 68 has a
plate-like protrusion main body 68b and a semi-cylindrical slider 68a
that comes into contact with the rear guide face 88. Since the base of
the protrusion main body 68b is formed thin, the rear protrusion 68
readily bends in the Y axis direction.

[0088] In this embodiment, the front protrusion 62 has the same shape as
the front protrusion 63, and the rear protrusion 67 has the same shape as
the rear protrusion 68.

[0089] Meanwhile, the front protrusion 62 is longer than the rear
protrusion 67 in the radial direction, and the front protrusion 63 is
longer than the rear protrusion 68 in the radial direction. Furthermore,
the dimension of the front protrusion 62 in the peripheral direction is
greater than the dimension of the rear protrusion 67 in the peripheral
direction, and the dimension of the front protrusion 63 in the peripheral
direction is greater than the dimension of the rear protrusion 68 in the
peripheral direction.

[0090] In a state in which the holder main body 61 has been inserted into
the support hole 71, the dimension C11 in the Y axis direction between
the slider 62a and the slider 67a (see FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B) is set to
be shorter than the dimension C12 in the Y axis direction between the
front guide face 82 and the rear guide face 87 (see FIG. 11B).

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear protrusion 67 is thinner
than the front protrusion 62 in the Y axis direction. Therefore, there is
no gap between the left-side support component 42L and the front
protrusion 62, and between the left-side support component 42L and the
rear protrusion 67, so the lens frame 36 can support the left-eye lens
holder 35L in a state in which there is no looseness in the Y axis
direction.

[0092] Similarly, with the front protrusion 63 and the rear protrusion 68,
in a state in which the holder main body 61 has not been inserted into
the support hole 81, the dimension C13 in the Y axis direction between
the slider 63a and the slider 68a (see FIGS. 10A and 10B) is set to be
shorter than the dimension C14 in the Y axis direction between the front
guide face 82 and the rear guide face 87 (see FIG. 11B). Furthermore, in
this embodiment the rear protrusion 68 is thinner in the Y axis direction
than the front protrusion 63. Consequently, in a state in which the
left-eye lens holder 35L has been mounted to the lens frame 36, the rear
protrusion 68 bends, and the left-side support component 42L is
sandwiched in the Y axis direction by the front protrusion 63 and the
rear protrusion 68 under this reaction force. Therefore, there is no gap
between the left-side support component 42L and the front protrusion 63,
and between the left-side support component 42L and the rear protrusion
68, and the lens frame 36 can support the left-eye lens holder 35L in a
state in which there is no looseness in the Y axis direction.

[0093] The gear component 64 (one example of a first rotationally driven
component) is linked to the holder main body 61, and is used in adjusting
the position of the holder main body 61 in the rotation direction around
the left-eye optical axis AL with respect to the base frame 41. More
specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10A and 10B, the gear component 64 has
a plurality of teeth and is formed in an arc shape around the left-eye
optical axis AL. In this embodiment, the gear component 64 links the
front protrusions 62 and 63 in the peripheral direction. An adjustment
jig 9 (discussed below) can be used to rotate the left-eye lens holder
35L with respect to the lens frame 36 by meshing the gear 91 of the
adjustment jig 9 with the gear component 64. This allows the position of
the left-eye lens holder 35L in the Y axis direction to be adjusted with
respect to the lens frame 36.

[0094] (3) Right-Eye Lens Holder 35R

[0095] The detailed configuration of the right-eye lens holder 35R will
now be described through reference to the drawings. In this embodiment,
the right-eye lens holder 35R has the same configuration as the left-eye
lens holder 35L, so it will be described by again referring to FIGS. 9 to
11. In FIGS. 9 to 11, numbers related to the right-eye lens holder 35R
are shown in parentheses.

[0096] The right-eye lens holder 35R is a single member molded integrally
from a resin, for example. As shown in FIG. 9, the right-eye lens holder
35R has the holder main body 51, the front protrusions 52 and 53, the
rear protrusions 57 and 58, and a gear component 54.

[0097] The holder main body 51 (one example of a holder main body, and one
example of a first or second holder main body) is a cylindrical portion,
to which the right-eye optical system OR is mounted. As shown in FIG. 9,
the right-eye optical system OR has a first lens L11, a second lens L12,
a third lens L13, and a fourth lens L14.

[0098] The holder main body 51 is supported by the right-side support
component 42R movably in the Y axis direction and rotatably around the
right-eye optical axis AR.

[0099] In this embodiment, broadly speaking, there are two different
outside diameters of the holder main body 51. More specifically, As shown
in FIGS. 10 and 11A, the holder main body 51 has a first portion 51a, a
second portion 51b, and a tapered part 51c. The first portion 51a is a
cylindrical portion on the subject side of the holder main body 51, and
has the first outside diameter D21 as shown in FIG. 11A. The second
portion 51b is a cylindrical portion on the imaging element 22 side of
the holder main body 51, and has the second outside diameter D22 as shown
in FIG. 11A. The first outside diameter D21 is set to be greater than the
second outside diameter D22. The tapered part 51c is disposed between the
first portion 51a and the second portion 51b, and links the first portion
51a and the second portion 51b.

[0100] The front protrusions 52 and 53 are linked to the holder main body
51, and are guided by the right-side support component 42R as shown in
FIG. 11A so as to move in the Y axis direction while rotating around the
right-eye optical axis AR.

[0101] More specifically, the front protrusion 52 (one example of a first
or second portion, and one example of a first or second follower, and one
example of a first or second front protrusion) protrudes outward in the
radial direction from the end of the holder main body 51 on the subject
side (more precisely, from the first portion 51a), and comes into contact
with the front guide face 72 of the right-side support component 42R as
shown in FIG. 11B. The front protrusion 52 has a plate-like protrusion
main body 52b and a semi-cylindrical slider 52a that comes into contact
with the front guide face 72.

[0102] The front protrusion 53 (one example of a first or second portion,
and one example of a first or second follower, and one example of a first
or second front protrusion) protrudes outward in the radial direction
from the end of the holder main body 51 on the subject side (more
precisely, from the first portion 51a), and comes into contact with the
front guide face 73 of the right-side support component 42R as shown in
FIG. 11B. More specifically, the front protrusion 53 has a plate-like
protrusion main body 53b and a semi-cylindrical slider 53a that comes
into contact with the front guide face 73.

[0103] The rear protrusion 57 (one example of a first or second portion,
and one example of a first or second follower, and one example of a first
or second front protrusion) protrudes outward in the radial direction
from the end of the holder main body 51 on the imaging element 22 side
(more precisely, from the second portion 51b), and comes into contact
with the rear guide face 77 of the right-side support component 42R as
shown in FIG. 11B. More specifically, the rear protrusion 57 has a
plate-like protrusion main body 57b and a semi-cylindrical slider 57a
that comes into contact with the rear guide face 77. Since the base of
the protrusion main body 57b is formed thin, the rear protrusion 57
readily bends in the Y axis direction.

[0104] The rear protrusion 58 (one example of a first or second portion,
and one example of a first or second follower, and one example of a first
or second front protrusion) protrudes outward in the radial direction
from the end of the holder main body 51 on the imaging element 22 side
(more precisely, from the second portion 51b), and comes into contact
with the rear guide face 78 of the right-side support component 42R as
shown in FIG. 11B. More specifically, the rear protrusion 58 has a
plate-like protrusion main body 58b and a semi-cylindrical slider 58a
that comes into contact with the rear guide face 78. Since the base of
the protrusion main body 58b is formed thin, the rear protrusion 58
readily bends in the Y axis direction.

[0105] In this embodiment, the front protrusion 52 has the same shape as
the front protrusion 53, and the rear protrusion 57 has the same shape as
the rear protrusion 58.

[0106] Meanwhile, the front protrusion 52 is longer than the rear
protrusion 57 in the radial direction, and the front protrusion 53 is
longer than the rear protrusion 58 in the radial direction. Furthermore,
the dimension of the front protrusion 52 in the peripheral direction is
greater than the dimension of the rear protrusion 57 in the peripheral
direction, and the dimension of the front protrusion 53 in the peripheral
direction is greater than the dimension of the rear protrusion 58 in the
peripheral direction.

[0107] In a state in which the holder main body 51 has been inserted into
the support hole 81, the dimension C21 in the Y axis direction between
the slider 52a and the slider 57a (see FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B) is set to
be shorter than the dimension C22 in the Y axis direction between the
front guide face 72 and the rear guide face 77 (see FIG. 11B).
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear protrusion 57 is thinner than
the front protrusion 52 in the Y axis direction. Consequently, in a state
in which the right-eye lens holder 35R has been mounted to the lens frame
36, the rear protrusion 57 bends, and the right-side support component
42R is sandwiched in the Y axis direction by the front protrusion 52 and
the rear protrusion 57 by this reaction force. Therefore, there is no gap
between the right-side support component 42R and the front protrusion 52,
and between the right-side support component 42R and the rear protrusion
57, so the lens frame 36 can support the right-eye lens holder 35R in a
state in which there is no looseness in the Y axis direction.

[0108] Similarly, with the front protrusion 53 and the rear protrusion 58,
in a state in which the holder main body 51 has not been inserted into
the support hole 81, the dimension C23 in the Y axis direction between
the slider 53a and the slider 58a (see FIGS. 10A and 10B) is set to be
shorter than the dimension C24 in the Y axis direction between the front
guide face 72 and the rear guide face 77 (see FIG. 11B). Furthermore, in
this embodiment the rear protrusion 58 is thinner in the Y axis direction
than the front protrusion 53. Consequently, in a state in which the
right-eye lens holder 35R has been mounted to the lens frame 36, the rear
protrusion 58 bends, and the right-side support component 42R is
sandwiched in the Y axis direction by the front protrusion 53 and the
rear protrusion 58 under this reaction force. Therefore, there is no gap
between the right-side support component 42R and the front protrusion 53,
and between the right-side support component 42R and the rear protrusion
58, and the lens frame 36 can support the right-eye lens holder 35R in a
state in which there is no looseness in the Y axis direction.

[0109] The gear component 54 (one example of a second rotationally driven
component) is linked to the holder main body 51, and is used in adjusting
the position of the holder main body 51 in the rotation direction around
the right-eye optical axis AR with respect to the base frame 41. More
specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10A and 10B, the gear component 54 has
a plurality of teeth and is formed in an arc shape around the right-eye
optical axis AR. In this embodiment, the gear component 54 links the
front protrusions 52 and 53 in the peripheral direction. An adjustment
jig 9 (discussed below) can be used to rotate the right-eye lens holder
35R with respect to the lens frame 36 by meshing the gear 91 of the
adjustment jig 9 with the gear component 54. This allows the position of
the right-eye lens holder 35R in the Y axis direction to be adjusted with
respect to the lens frame 36.

[0110] 3. Assembly and Adjustment

[0111] The job of assembling the lens frame 36, the left-eye lens holder
35L, and the right-eye lens holder 35R, and the job of adjusting the
positions of the left-eye optical system OL and the right-eye optical
system OR in the Y axis direction will now be described through reference
to the drawings. FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating the rotation of the
left-eye lens holder 35L, and FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating the
operation of the left-eye lens holder 35L. FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams
illustrating adjustment work, and FIG. 13C is an oblique view of an
optical axis adjustment jig.

[0112] First, the left-eye optical system OL is adhesively fixed to the
left-eye lens holder 35L, and the right-eye optical system OR is
adhesively fixed to the right-eye lens holder 35R (see FIG. 9).

[0113] In the mounting of the left-eye lens holder 35L to the lens frame
36, the left-eye lens holder 35L is mounted to the lens frame 36 from the
subject side (see FIG. 4). More specifically, the rear protrusion 67 is
inserted into the insertion groove 84, the rear protrusion 68 is inserted
into the insertion groove 85, and the holder main body 61 is inserted
into the support hole 81. Since the second outside diameter D12 of the
second portion 61b is greater than the second inside diameter D16 defined
by the three second protrusions 89b, when the second portion 61b is
inserted into the second inner peripheral face 81b, the presser 86 is
pushed outward in the radial direction by the second portion 61b, and the
second portion 61b is pressed against the two second protrusions 89b by
the elastic force of the presser 86.

[0114] Also, since the first outside diameter D11 of the first portion 61a
is greater than the first inside diameter D15 defined by the three first
protrusions 89a, when the first portion 61a is inserted into the first
inner peripheral face 81a, the presser 86 is pushed outward in the radial
direction by the first portion 61a, and the first portion 61a is pressed
against the two first protrusions 89a by the elastic force of the presser
86.

[0115] This results in a state in which the holder main body 61 is lightly
press-fitted into the left-side support component 42L by the elastic
force of the presser 86.

[0116] Since the front protrusion 62 is longer than the rear protrusion
67, the front protrusion 62 cannot be inserted into the insertion groove
84. Therefore, when the holder main body 61 is inserted into the support
hole 81, the front protrusion 62 comes into contact with the area around
the insertion groove 84, and this decides the position of the left-eye
lens holder 35L in the Y axis direction with respect to the left-side
support component 42L. Consequently, in mounting the left-eye lens holder
35L to the left-side support component 42L, the assembly work can be
carried out smoothly, without inserting the holder main body 61 too far
into the support hole 81.

[0117] Then, in the mounting of the right-eye lens holder 35R to the lens
frame 36, the right-eye lens holder 35R is mounted to the lens frame 36
from the subject side (see FIG. 4). More specifically, the rear
protrusion 57 is inserted into the insertion groove 74, the rear
protrusion 58 is inserted into the insertion groove 75, and the holder
main body 51 is inserted into the support hole 71. Since the second
outside diameter D22 of the second portion 51b is greater than the second
inside diameter D24 defined by the three second protrusions 79b, when the
second portion 51b is inserted into the second inner peripheral face 71b,
the presser 76 is pushed outward in the radial direction by the second
portion 51b, and the second portion 51b is pressed against the two second
protrusions 79b by the elastic force of the presser 76.

[0118] Also, since the first outside diameter D21 of the first portion 51a
is greater than the first inside diameter D23 defined by the three first
protrusions 79a, when the first portion 51a is inserted into the first
inner peripheral face 71a, the presser 76 is pushed outward in the radial
direction by the first portion 51a, and the first portion 51a is pressed
against the two first protrusions 79a by the elastic force of the presser
76.

[0119] This results in a state in which the holder main body 51 is lightly
press-fitted into the right-side support component 42R by the elastic
force of the presser 76.

[0120] Since the front protrusion 52 is longer than the rear protrusion
57, the front protrusion 52 cannot be inserted into the insertion groove
74. Therefore, when the holder main body 51 is inserted into the support
hole 71, the front protrusion 52 comes into contact with the area around
the insertion groove 74, and this decides the position of the right-eye
lens holder 35R in the Y axis direction with respect to the right-side
support component 42R. Consequently, in mounting the right-eye lens
holder 35R to the right-side support component 42R, the assembly work can
be carried out smoothly, without inserting the holder main body 51 too
far into the support hole 71.

[0121] Next, after the left-eye lens holder 35L and the right-eye lens
holder 35R have been mounted to the lens frame 36, the lens frame 36 is
fixed to a stand (not shown) comprising an adjustment-use imaging element
(not shown). For example, in a state prior to adjustment, the position
(also called the phase) of the left-eye lens holder 35L in the rotational
direction with respect to the lens frame 36 corresponds to the phase P1
shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.

[0122] An adjustment chart (not shown) is then put at a specific distance
on the front side of the lens frame 36 (the opposite side from the
imaging element), and the chart is shown on an adjustment display (not
shown) via the imaging element. Also, a waveform representing the
contrast evaluation value of the image acquired by the imaging element is
displayed on another display (not shown). The user looks at the image and
waveform shown in these displays while adjusting the positions of the
left-eye lens holder 35L and the right-eye lens holder 35R.

[0123] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the distal end of
the adjustment jig 9 is inserted into a hole 44L in the lens frame 36
(see FIG. 6) while the gear 91 of the adjustment jig 9 is meshed with the
gear component 64 of the left-eye lens holder 35L. When the adjustment
jig 9 is rotated counter-clockwise, the left-eye lens holder 35L rotates
clockwise with respect to the lens frame 36, and the position of the
left-eye lens holder 35L in the rotational direction with respect to the
lens frame 36 changes to a phase P2 or a phase P3.

[0124] When the left-eye lens holder 35L rotates clockwise with respect to
the 36, the front protrusions 62 and 63 rotate around the left-eye
optical axis AL while being guided to the imaging element side by the
front guide faces 82 and 83, respectively, and the rear protrusions 67
and 68 rotate around the left-eye optical axis AL while being guided to
the imaging element side by the rear guide faces 87 and 88, respectively.
As a result, the left-eye lens holder 35L rotates while moving gradually
to the imaging element side with respect to the lens frame 36.

[0125] Here, a waveform representing the contrast evaluation value of the
image acquired by the imaging element is disposed on another display (not
shown). The user looks at this waveform while turning the adjustment jig
9 to determine the position of the left-eye lens holder 35L at which the
evaluation value is highest. For instance, this evaluation value is
calculated by the same method for calculating an evaluation value used in
auto-focusing by contrast detection method.

[0126] Then, for the right-eye lens holder 35R, the adjustment jig 9 is
similarly inserted into a hole 44R (see FIG. 6) to adjust the position of
the right-eye lens holder 35R. When the adjustment jig 9 is rotated
counter-clockwise, the right-eye lens holder 35R rotates clockwise with
respect to the lens frame 36. When the right-eye lens holder 35R rotates
clockwise with respect to the lens frame 36, the right-eye lens holder
35R rotates while gradually moving to the imaging element side with
respect to the lens frame 36. The user looks at the waveform displayed on
the display while turning the adjustment jig 9 to determine the position
of the right-eye lens holder 35R at which the evaluation value is
highest.

[0127] After this, the left-eye lens holder 35L and the right-eye lens
holder 35R are adhesively fixed to the lens frame 36. For instance, the
front protrusion 62 and the front protrusion 63 are bonded to the lens
frame 36, and the front protrusion 52 and the front protrusion 53 are
bonded to the lens frame 36.

[0128] This allows the positions of the left-eye optical system OL and the
right-eye optical system OR with respect to the lens frame 36 to be
accurately adjusted in the Y axis direction.

[0129] In the adjustment work constituted as above, the amount of movement
of the left-eye lens holder 35L and the right-eye lens holder 35R in the
Y axis direction with respect to the rotational angle of the adjustment
jig 9 can be reduced by increasing the reduction ratio between the gear
component 64 and the gear 91 of the adjustment jig 9, and the reduction
ratio between the gear component 54 and the gear 91, which is an easy way
to improve the accuracy in adjusting the positions of the left-eye
optical system OL and the right-eye optical system OR in the Y axis
direction. Also, by increasing the length of a lever 92 of the adjustment
jig 9, the user can make fine adjustments with large movements of the
adjustment jig 9, affording greater adjustment precision and making the
work easier.

[0130] Features of Interchangeable Lens Unit

[0131] The features of the interchangeable lens unit 3 described above are
compiled below.

[0132] (1) With this interchangeable lens unit 3, the position of the
left-eye optical system OL in the Y axis direction with respect to the
base frame 41, and the position of the right-eye optical system OR in the
Y axis direction with respect to the base frame 41 can be separately
adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 49. Therefore, even if the positions
of the left-eye optical system OL and the right-eye optical system OR
with respect to the base frame 41 should deviate from the designed
positions due to individual differences between products, the relative
positions of the left-eye optical system OL and the right-eye optical
system OR can still be adjusted. This means that there will be less of a
decrease in the quality of a stereo image attributable to individual
differences between products.

[0133] Also, since the positions of the left-eye optical system OL and the
right-eye optical system OR in the Y axis direction with respect to the
22 can be adjusted separately, the focal positions of the left-eye
optical system OL and the right-eye optical system OR with respect to the
imaging element 22 can each be adjusted precisely. Therefore, a stereo
image of higher quality can be obtained with this interchangeable lens
unit 3.

[0134] (2) With this interchangeable lens unit 3, since the left-eye lens
holder 35L is supported by the left-side support component 42L so as to
move in the Y axis direction while rotating with respect to the base
frame 41, the position of the left-eye optical system OL in the Y axis
direction with respect to the base frame 41 can be adjusted by rotating
the left-eye lens holder 35L.

[0135] More specifically, the interchangeable lens unit 3 has the front
guide faces 82 and 83 and the rear guide faces 87 and 88 that function as
cam faces, and has the front protrusions 62 and 63 and the rear
protrusions 67 and 68 that function as cam followers. Since the front
guide faces 82 and 83 and the rear guide faces 87 and 88 are inclined
with respect to the left-eye optical axis AL, when the left-eye lens
holder 35L rotates with respect to the left-side support component 42L,
the front protrusion 62 rotates around the left-eye optical axis AL while
being guided in the Y axis direction by the front guide face 82, and the
rear protrusion 67 rotates around the left-eye optical axis AL while
being guided in the Y axis direction by the rear guide face 87. Also,
when the right-eye lens holder 35R rotates with respect to the right-side
support component 42R, the front protrusion 63 rotates around the
left-eye optical axis AL while being guided in the Y axis direction by
the front guide face 83, and the rear protrusion 68 rotates around the
left-eye optical axis AL while being guided in the Y axis direction by
the rear guide face 88.

[0136] Similarly, since the right-eye lens holder 35R is supported by the
right-side support component 42R so as to move in the Y axis direction
while rotating with respect to the base frame 41, the position of the
right-eye optical system OR in the Y axis direction with respect to the
base frame 41 can be adjusted by rotating the right-eye lens holder 35R.

[0137] More specifically, the interchangeable lens unit 3 has the front
guide faces 72 and 73 and the rear guide faces 77 and 78 that function as
cam faces, and has the front protrusions 52 and 53 and the rear
protrusions 57 and 58 that function as cam followers. Since the front
guide faces 72 and 73 and the rear guide faces 87 and 78 are inclined
with respect to the right-eye optical axis AR, when the right-eye lens
holder 35R rotates with respect to the right-side support component 42R,
the front protrusion 52 rotates around the right-eye optical axis AR
while being guided in the Y axis direction by the front guide face 72,
and the rear protrusion 57 rotates around the right-eye optical axis AR
while being guided in the Y axis direction by the rear guide face 77.
Also, when the right-eye lens holder 35R rotates with respect to the
right-side support component 42R, the front protrusion 53 rotates around
the right-eye optical axis AR while being guided in the Y axis direction
by the front guide face 73, and the rear protrusion 58 rotates around the
right-eye optical axis AR while being guided in the Y axis direction by
the rear guide face 78.

[0138] Thus, with the interchangeable lens unit 3, a cam mechanism can be
used to adjust the positions of the left-eye optical system OL and the
right-eye optical system OR in the Y axis direction, so the structure can
be simplified.

[0139] (3) With this interchangeable lens unit 3, the left-side support
component 42L is sandwiched in the Y axis direction by the front
protrusion 62 and the rear protrusion 67, and the left-side support
component 42L is sandwiched in the Y axis direction by the front
protrusion 63 and the rear protrusion 68. Therefore, there is less
looseness of the left-eye lens holder 35L in the Y axis direction with
respect to the left-side support component 42L, and the accuracy of
adjustment of the position of the left-eye optical system OL with respect
to the lens frame 36 can be increased.

[0140] Similarly, the right-side support component 42R is sandwiched in
the Y axis direction by the front protrusion 52 and the rear protrusion
57, and the right-side support component 42R is sandwiched in the Y axis
direction by the front protrusion 53 and the rear protrusion 58.
Therefore, there is less looseness of the right-eye lens holder 35R in
the Y axis direction with respect to the right-side support component
42R, and the accuracy of adjustment of the position of the right-eye
optical system OR with respect to the lens frame 36 can be increased.

[0141] (4) With this interchangeable lens unit 3, since the holder main
body 61 is pressed against the two support protrusions 89 by the presser
86, there is less looseness in the left-eye lens holder 35L in the radial
direction with respect to the lens frame 36, and the position of the
left-eye optical system OL with respect to the lens frame 36 can be
adjusted more accurately.

[0142] Also, compared to a structure not provided with the presser 86,
looseness in the left-eye lens holder 35L with respect to the left-side
support component 42L can be reduced without greatly increasing the force
at which the holder main body 61 is pressed in the radial direction.
Therefore, compared to a structure not provided with the presser 86, the
left-eye lens holder 35L can be turned more smoothly with respect to the
lens frame 36 during adjustment, and this makes it easier to adjust the
position of the left-eye lens holder 35L.

[0143] Furthermore, any dimensional error in a product can be absorbed by
the elastic deformation of the presser 86, so the force supporting the
left-eye lens holder 35L can be kept substantially constant despite the
dimensional error. Therefore, the effect that dimensional error has on
adjustment of the position of the left-eye lens holder 35L can be
reduced.

[0144] Similarly, since the holder main body 51 is pressed against the two
support protrusions 79 by the presser 76, there is less looseness in the
right-eye lens holder 35R in the radial direction with respect to the
lens frame 36, and the position of the right-eye optical system OR with
respect to the lens frame 36 can be adjusted more accurately.

[0145] Also, compared to a structure not provided with the presser 76,
looseness in the right-eye lens holder 35R with respect to the right-side
support component 42R can be reduced without greatly increasing the force
at which the holder main body 61 is pressed in the radial direction.
Therefore, compared to a structure not provided with the presser 76, the
right-eye lens holder 35R can be turned more smoothly with respect to the
lens frame 36 during adjustment, and this makes it easier to adjust the
position of the right-eye lens holder 35R.

[0146] Furthermore, any dimensional error in a product can be absorbed by
the elastic deformation of the presser 76, so the force supporting the
right-eye lens holder 35R can be kept substantially constant despite the
dimensional error. Therefore, the effect that dimensional error has on
adjustment of the position of the right-eye lens holder 35R can be
reduced.

[0147] (5) Since the left-eye lens holder 35L has the gear component 64,
the amount of movement of the left-eye lens holder 35L in the Y axis
direction with respect to the rotational angle of the adjustment jig 9
can be reduced by increasing the reduction ratio between the gear
component 64 and the gear 91 of the adjustment jig 9, which means that
adjustment precision can be easily increased.

[0148] Similarly, since the right-eye lens holder 35R has the gear
component 54, the amount of movement of the right-eye lens holder 35R in
the Y axis direction with respect to the rotational angle of the
adjustment jig 9 can be reduced by increasing the reduction ratio between
the gear component 54 and the gear 91 of the adjustment jig 9, which
means that adjustment precision can be easily increased.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0149] The present invention is not limited to or by the above embodiment,
and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from
the gist of the invention.

[0150] (A) In the above embodiment, a lens unit was described by using the
interchangeable lens unit 3 that was compatible with three-dimensional
imaging, but the configuration of the lens unit is not limited to that in
the above embodiment. For example, a structure for turning the lens
holder to adjust the position in the Y axis direction of the optical
system can also be applied to a lens unit that is compatible with
two-dimensional imaging.

[0151] In this case, the configuration can be simplified while increasing
the accuracy of adjustment of positions in the optical system.

[0152] Also, in the above embodiment, an interchangeable lens type of
imaging device was used as an example in describing a lens unit, but the
lens unit can also be applied to an integrated type of imaging device.

[0153] Examples of imaging devices include devices capable of capturing
only still pictures, devices capable of capturing only moving pictures,
and devices capable of capturing both still pictures and moving pictures.

[0154] (B) In the above embodiment, the positions of the left-eye optical
system OL and the right-eye optical system OR in the Y axis direction
were adjusted separately, but only the position of the left-eye optical
system OL or of the right-eye optical system OR may be adjusted in the Y
axis direction. Even if only the position of the left-eye optical system
OL or of the right-eye optical system OR can be adjusted in the Y axis
direction, it is still possible to minimize the decrease in stereo image
quality attributable to individual differences between products.

[0155] (C) In the above embodiment, a cam mechanism was used as an example
in separately describing the positions of the left-eye optical system OL
and the right-eye optical system OR in the Y axis direction. However, if
the only object is to minimize the decrease in stereo image quality
attributable to individual differences between products, then a mechanism
other than a cam mechanism may be employed as the configuration for
separately describing the positions of the left-eye optical system OL and
the right-eye optical system OR in the Y axis direction.

[0156] Also, in the above embodiment, an adjustment mechanism was
described by using a cam mechanism comprising a cam face and a cam
follower as an example, but a cam mechanism comprising a cam groove and a
cam follower may be used instead.

[0157] (D) In the above embodiment, the lens frame 36 was constituted by a
single, integrally molded member, but one or more of the base frame 41,
the left-side support component 42L, and the right-side support component
42R may be constituted by separate members rather than being integrated.

[0158] Also, the left-eye lens holder 35L was constituted by a single,
integrally molded member, but one or more of the holder main body 61, the
front protrusions 62 and 63, the gear component 64, and the rear
protrusions 67 and 68 may be constituted by separate members.

[0159] Furthermore, the right-eye lens holder 35R was constituted by a
single, integrally molded member, but one or more of the holder main body
51, the front protrusions 52 and 53, the gear component 54, and the rear
protrusions 57 and 58 may be constituted by separate members.

[0160] (E) In the above embodiment, the left-side support component 42L
was sandwiched in the Y axis direction by the front protrusion 62 and the
rear protrusion 67, but for the purpose of minimizing the decrease in
stereo image quality attributable to individual differences between
products, the left-side support component 42L need not be sandwiched in
the Y axis direction by the front protrusion 62 and the rear protrusion
67. For example, a gap may be formed between the front protrusion 62 and
the front guide face 72 (or between the rear protrusion 67 and the rear
protrusion 77) to the extent that it does not affect the quality of the
stereo image.

[0161] The same applies to the front protrusion 63 and the rear protrusion
68, to the front protrusion 52 and the rear protrusion 57, and to the
front protrusion 53 and the rear protrusion 58.

[0162] (F) In the above embodiment, the holder main body 61 was pressed
against the two support protrusions 89 by the presser 86 of the left-side
support component 42L, but the left-side support component 42L need not
have the presser 86.

[0163] Similarly, the holder main body 51 was pressed against the two
support protrusions 79 by the presser 76 of the right-side support
component 42R, but the right-side support component 42R need not have the
presser 76.

[0164] Addenda

[0165] The features of the lens unit described above can also be expressed
as follows.

[0166] Feature 1

[0167] A lens unit comprising:

[0168] an optical system having an optical axis;

[0169] a lens holder to which the optical system is mounted; and

[0170] a lens frame that supports the lens holder movably in a first
direction parallel to the optical axis and rotatably around the optical
axis, wherein the lens frame has a base frame, and a guide component that
is linked to the base frame and supports the lens holder so as to move in
the first direction while rotating with respect to the base frame,

[0171] the lens holder has a first portion that is disposed so as to be
capable of sliding over the guide component, and a second portion that is
disposed so as to be capable of sliding over the guide component and is
disposed spaced apart from the first portion in the first direction, and

[0172] the guide component is sandwiched between the first portion and the
second portion by the elastic force of the first portion and/or the
second portion.

[0173] Feature 2 The lens unit according to Feature 1, wherein

[0174] the lens holder has a holder main body to which the optical system
is mounted and which is supported movably in the first direction and
rotatably around the first optical axis by the lens frame, the first
portion protrudes from the holder main body, and the second portion
protrudes from the holder main body.

[0175] Feature 3

[0176] The lens unit according to Feature 2, wherein

[0177] the guide component has a first guide face that is inclined with
respect to the optical axis, and a second guide face that is disposed on
the opposite side from the first guide face in the

[0178] first direction and is inclined with respect to the optical axis,

[0179] the first portion is in slidable contact with the first guide face,
and

[0180] the second portion is in slidable contact with the second guide
face.

[0181] Feature 4

[0182] The lens unit according to Feature 2 or 3, wherein

[0183] the support component has a receiver that comes into contact with
the outer peripheral face of the holder main body, and a presser that
presses the holder main body against the receiver.

[0184] Feature 5 A lens unit comprising:

[0185] a first optical system for forming a first optical image viewed
from a first viewpoint;

[0186] a second optical system for forming a second optical image viewed
from a second viewpoint that is different from the first viewpoint; and

[0187] an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the first
optical system in a first direction that is parallel to the first optical
axis with respect to the base frame, and/or the position of the second
optical system in a second direction that is parallel to the second
optical system with respect to the base frame.

[0188] Feature 6

[0189] The lens unit according to Feature 5, wherein

[0190] the adjustment mechanism is capable of separately adjusting the
position of the first optical system in the first direction with respect
to the base frame, and the position of the second optical system in the
second direction with respect to the base frame.

[0191] Feature 7

[0192] The lens unit according to Feature 5 or 6, wherein

[0193] the adjustment mechanism has a first lens holder to which the first
optical system is mounted, and a first support component that is linked
to the base frame and supports the first lens holder movably in the first
direction with respect to the base frame.

[0194] Feature 8

[0195] The lens unit according to Feature 7, wherein

[0196] the first support component supports the first lens holder so as to
move in the first direction while rotating around the first optical axis
with respect to the base frame.

[0197] Feature 9

[0198] The lens unit according to Feature 8, wherein

[0199] the first lens holder has a first holder main body to which the
first optical system is mounted and which is supported movably in the
first direction and rotatably around the first optical axis b the first
support component, and a first follower that is linked to the first
holder main body and is guided by the first support component.

[0200] Feature 10

[0201] The lens unit according to Feature 9, wherein

[0202] the first support component has a first front guide face that is
inclined with respect to the first optical axis, and a first rear guide
face that is disposed on the opposite side from the first front guide
face in the first direction and is inclined with respect to the first
optical axis, and

[0203] the first follower has a first front protrusion that is linked to
the first holder main body and comes into slidable contact with the first
front guide face, and a first rear protrusion that is linked to the first
holder main body and comes into slidable contact with the first rear
guide face.

[0204] Feature 11

[0205] The lens unit according to Feature 10, wherein

[0206] the first support component is sandwiched by the first front
protrusion and the first rear protrusion in the first direction.

[0207] Feature 12

[0208] The lens unit according to any of Features 9 to 11, wherein

[0209] the first support component has a first receiver that comes into
contact with the outer peripheral face of the first holder main body, and
a first presser that presses the first holder main body against the first
receiver.

[0210] Feature 13

[0211] The lens unit according to any of Features 9 to 12, wherein

[0212] the first lens holder has a first rotationally driven component
that is linked to the first holder main body in order to adjust the
position of the first holder main body in the rotational direction around
the first optical axis with respect to the base frame.

[0213] Feature 14

[0214] The lens unit according to any of Features 7 to 13, wherein

[0215] the adjustment mechanism has a second lens holder to which the
second optical system is mounted, and a second support component that is
linked to the base frame and supports the second lens holder movably in
the second direction with respect to the base frame.

[0216] Feature 15

[0217] The lens unit according to Feature 14, wherein

[0218] the second support component supports the second lens holder so as
to rotate around the second optical axis with respect to the base frame
while moving in the second direction.

[0219] Feature 16

[0220] The lens unit according to Feature 15, wherein

[0221] the second lens holder has a second holder main body to which the
second optical system is mounted and which is supported movably in the
second direction and rotatably around the second optical axis by the
second support component, and a second follower that is linked to the
second holder main body and is guided by the second support component.

[0222] Feature 17

[0223] The lens unit according to Feature 16, wherein

[0224] the second support component has a second front guide face that is
inclined with respect to the second optical axis, and a second rear guide
face that is disposed on the opposite side from the second front guide
face in the second direction and is inclined with respect to the second
optical axis, and

[0225] the second follower has a second front protrusion that is linked to
the second holder main body and comes into slidable contact with the
second front guide face, and a second rear protrusion that is linked to
the second holder main body and comes into slidable contact with the
second rear guide face.

[0226] Feature 18

[0227] The lens unit according to Feature 17, wherein

[0228] the second support component is sandwiched in the second direction
by the second front protrusion and the second rear protrusion.

[0229] Feature 19

[0230] The lens unit according to any of Features 16 to 18 wherein

[0231] the second support component has a second receiver that comes into
contact with the outer peripheral face of the second holder main body,
and a second presser that presses the second holder main body against the
second receiver.

[0232] Feature 20

[0233] The lens unit according to any of Features 16 to 19, wherein

[0234] the second lens holder has a second rotationally driven component
that is linked to the second holder main body in order to adjust the
position of the second holder main body in the rotational direction
around the second optical axis with respect to the lens frame.

GENERAL INTERPRETATION OF TERMS

[0235] In understanding the scope of the present disclosure, the term
"comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open
ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements,
components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the
presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,
integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar
meanings such as the terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives.
Also, the terms "part," "section," "portion," "member," "unit" or
"element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single
part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe the above
embodiment(s), the following directional terms "forward", "rearward",
"above", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal", "below" and "transverse"
as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions
of the lens unit or an imaging device equipped with the lens unit.
Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention
should be interpreted relative to the lens unit or an imaging device
equipped with the lens unit.

[0236] The term "configured" as used herein to describe a component,
section, or part of a device includes hardware and/or software that is
constructed and/or programmed to carry out the desired function.

[0237] The terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and
"approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of
the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

[0238] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the
present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein
without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of the
embodiments according to the present invention are provided for
illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as
defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Thus, the scope of
the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.